The Burning Platform

Various people in the know tell us the truth about what’s going on in South African and global politics.

As South Africa reflects on five decades since the Soweto Uprising, a critical question remains: have young people inherited freedom,…
What lessons can be drawn from decades spent in activism, labour movements, government, and politics? Patrick Motubase joins Phumi Mashigo…
What happens when a student activist enters the political establishment? Naledi Chirwa-Mpungose joins Phumi Mashigo for a wide-ranging discussion on…
50 years later – has South Africa kept its promise to the youth? As South Africa marks Youth Month, Phumi…
How do the descendants of South Africa’s most famous freedom fighters understand freedom in today’s world? Phumi Mashigo speaks with…
South Africa’s informal economy is everywhere – from taxi ranks and pavement stalls to township salons and spaza shops. But…
What happens when one of the world’s most progressive constitutions collides with corruption, inequality and political dysfunction? In this week’s…
Following our previous education discussion, a clearer picture begins to emerge: one defined not just by underperformance, but by mounting…
South Africa is a young democracy, yet its voters are ageing while optimism continues to fade. Every election cycle raises…
What has 30 years of education reform in South Africa actually produced? For more than three decades, James Urdang has…
Who is responsible when service delivery stops working, and how do we fix it? Phumi Mashigo moderates this timely conversation…
Why are so many South Africans feeling politically disconnected right now? Lorato Tshenkeng joins Phumi Mashigo to explore the growing…